Jess talks to Michelle Crossan-Matos, chief marketing officer of Ulta Beauty, about what a company can achieve beyond selling product. Since joining Ulta Beauty, the Glaswegian executive has worked on initiatives like The Joy Project with motivational speaker Mel Robbins, thinking about the responsibility a retailer holds when it comes to younger customers as well as its own employees. In this interview, she shares her approach to leadership, why she’s interested in the philosophy of...

Did you hear about the great perfume heist of 2016? Justice has finally been served, and we’ll tell you all about it. Before that: the rise of dimple surgery; celebrities on hair-dye boxes; supermodel offspring in the new Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild campaign; and Cardi B’s first beauty contract. Plus, let’s Raise a Wand to a moisture mask that’s almost as good as SK-II and help one listener find a longwear concealer that will hide her allergy symptoms. Products mentioned in this episode:...

World-traveling polymath Teri Johnson takes us on a journey through her life, but also back in time to the Harlem Renaissance, the era that inspires her company, Harlem Candle Co. She tells us about the famous personalities she’s captured in scent—Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, and more—as well as her travels, her favorite products, and the story behind the brand she built. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/381169Episode recap with...

If you put a barefaced woman in a field we will want what she’s selling—that’s what we’ve learned from Pamela Anderson’s latest beauty endeavor. We’re also chatting about little wellness habits that help us create boundaries; Charlotte Tilbury’s big-budget lipstick launch; Dollar General candles from a surprisingly luxe manufacturer; highlights from a new Gen-Z State of Beauty report; SK-II dupes; more perfumes for our June Bride; and the fancy countertop spray that makes household...

Welcome to the ultimate beauty group chat, with Nick Axelrod and Annie Kreighbaum, hosts of the podcast Eyewitness Beauty. We're sharing our unfiltered thoughts on the beauty and wellness world, including celebrity brands, microtrends, Midjourney mistakes, Stanley cups, Ozempic, poor product design, and so much more.  Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/369078Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/eyewitness-beautySponsor links & discount codes:...

We’re revisiting cult-favorite beauty products from the 2000s and wondering, “Where are they now?” But first: the FDA clears a new skin-cancer diagnostic tool; Striiike beauty studio debuts a pigment removal service for previously microbladed brows; and we begrudgingly discuss Kim Kardashian’s tanning bed. The Fam also has suggestions for our June bride who wants a white floral fragrance, and we have new homework for everyone: How do you get the results of a SK-II Treatment Mask for...

Can technology help make the beauty industry greener? How do brands innovate without over-engineering? What are some practical ways Big Beauty can use artificial intelligence? We’re talking with Guive Balooch, L’Oréal’s Global Managing Director: Augmented Beauty and Open Innovation, about all that and more. You’ll hear about a speedy hair dryer that causes less damage and can save you almost $400 on your yearly electric bill; a gadget with oscillating bristles that makes at-home hair dyeing...

Yes, we’re still talking about the “Sephora Girls”—this story about Gen Alpha taking over beauty stores just gives and gives and gives. But there’s lots more to discuss, including the new wave of lip plumpers and NYX’s plans for the Super Bowl; gynecologists who are unhappy with the latest beauty supplement, a gummy for vaginal health; and (in Science Corner!) research showing women’s tears lower aggression in men. We’re also changing up Raise A Wand: We want you to help our listener, June...

She may be a celebrity makeup artist (Quinta Brunson, Kaley Cuoco, Rashida Jones), but Jamie Greenberg is not gatekeeping her secrets. She shares her tricks for hooded eyelids, creasing concealer, and runner’s rash. Plus, we talk to the mom of three about a timely topic: How young is too young for makeup and skincare? How can parents encourage self expression without glorifying consumerism? Should adults talk to kids about the downsides of plastic surgery and photo filters? Let’s get into...

We’re jumping into 2024 with some new candles, and lots of news: Business moves for Jaclyn Hill, Dr. Dennis Gross, K18, and others; our thoughts on a new crop of celebrity spokespeople in beauty and fashion (hi, Jermey Allen White!); the truth about wolf spiders and Sol de Janeiro body cream; and a beauty world record attempt in Ghana. Plus, we want you to call (646-481-8182) or email us ([email protected]) to suggest the next Raise A Wand homework: Tell us what specific type of product...

What makes a skincare ingredient “active”? How do you decode a cosmetic ingredient list? How are researchers using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve our complexions? Which beauty ingredients are completely pointless? In this interview (our second most popular episode of 2023) Victoria Fu, the co-founder of Chemist Confessions, is here to answer all those questions and more. Plus, she tells us about an AI-discovered molecule that improves skin elasticity and explains how the digital era...

Celebrity facial masseur Gavin McLeod-Valentine leads us through the face-massage technique he uses to prep clients like Cate Blanchett, Zoe Saldana, Maya Rudolph, and Lourdes Leon for the red carpet. In this episode (our most popular interview of 2023!) He shares the movie-ready story of his life and how he went from actor to publicist to unexpectedly giving Halle Berry an oxygen facial and finding his calling. We also talk about Madonna’s face, buccal-fat removal, cryo-sticks, LED lights,...

We reveal the year’s biggest moments in beauty culture, and what we loved, hated, and (in some cases) still aren’t sure about. Let’s discuss how beauty influencers affect girlhood, the age of Ozempic, celebrities without makeup, the year of fragrance, stunt perfumes, Barbie-mania, the slowdown of VC funding in beauty, brands that are getting weird, people who leave mean product reviews, the real cost of doing beauty work, and so much more. Happy New Year, everyone!  Products mentioned in this...

Fragrances for Harry Styles and Selena Gomez, Byredo best sellers, a signature scent for Chloë Sevigny, the iconic aroma of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream—Jérôme Epinette, a perfumer for Robertet Group, has done it all. In this revealing interview, he shares what it’s like to develop perfumes for celebrities, how his creative process works, his favorite accords and notes, and the story behind some of his biggest career hits. Products mentioned in this episode:...

Our intern, Emma, takes a closer look at the Gen-Z obsession with skincare, and her on-the-ground reporting may surprise you. Before that, Jess identifies a white space in the fragrance industry; Google makes finding beauty dupes easier; and we question Pantone’s 2024 color of the year and discuss when (if ever) red lipstick isn’t appropriate. Plus, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty launches fragrance; the FM Fam keeps zhuzhing, Jess tries a “lip water,” and Jenn tells you how to smell like a rich...

We’re turning our parasocial relationship with dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD, into an actual relationship! The Derm Daddy, aka @dermangelo, holds forth on the state of skincare content on social media, his favorite products of the year, acne shaming, hair loss, adjusting to retinol, dank fragrances, and skin devices that aren’t worth your money. Enjoy! Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/332007Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/dermangeloSponsor links...

We recap a holiday party we attended, where Jenn encountered Jeremy Fragrance and Jess thought she walked in on a couple in flagrante delicto. After that: the top TikTok of the year involves makeup; the hottest holiday beauty gifts; hairdressers in West Africa are offering clients mental-health help; there's news on an acne vaccine; and we Raise A Wand to more “zhuz” products. Plus, we talk to beauty expert Janene Mascarella about easy press-on lashes that work for everyone from beginners to...

Plastic-surgery shaming, the ways celebrities gaslight us, cancel culture—Mia Freedman, co-founder of the Australian media network Mamamia, is here to talk about all of it. We chat with the writer and podcaster about beauty standards; how the evolution of media has affected women; being a “skincare slut”; lip stains that actually last; the hot holiday gifts this year; and so much more.  Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/326304Episode recap with...

Tell us about the product you only pull out for holiday parties—we’re calling these special-occasion items our zhuzh (or “jeuje” or “zhoosh”?) beauty products. Before that, we chat about Guido Palau’s new hair line for Zara; Jennifer Lawrence and Kylie Jenner discussing how makeup can make it seem like you had plastic surgery; Gen-X and Boomer (and Gen Alpha!) influencers; a collection of fantastically unhinged Fragrantica reviews; the powder palette that makes everyone’s skin look better;...

When content creator Liah Yoo started a skincare brand, her goal was to fix problems she saw with the Beauty Industrial Complex™ and its traditional business models. She’s here to explain how she’s doing that with Krave Beauty. We talk about how SPF testing works, ethical ingredient sourcing, the pressure retailers and investors put on brand founders, sustainability issues, and coping with negative social-media comments—plus the joys of Selling Sunset, Sun Chips, and laser hair...

Tis the season of beauty advent calendars, and we found out which ones give you the most value for your money. We’re also talking about the #looksmaxxing community, its sketchy roots, and its interest in skincare and mewing. Plus: Javier Milei’s wolverine hair; gendered grooming rules in elementary schools (we’re looking at you, Girard, Kansas); health concerns associated with scented candles; and the book Eyeliner: A Cultural History. Plus, we raise wands to lip balms, a candle that smells...

Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys discusses her evolving relationship with self care, from her decision to go makeup-free in 2016 to the daily affirmations that are part of her skincare ritual today. We also talk about her new musical, Hell’s Kitchen; her line, Keys Soulcare; the ways she uses crystals and fragrance for inspiration; and how we can all make affirmations part of our self-care routines without feeling weird about it. Products mentioned in this episode:...

Jess is back from her travels to tell us about her favorite beauty boutique in Amsterdam and an unbelievable spa in London’s Old War Office. Plus: Rumour Has It (LOL) Adele is starting a beauty line; 5th Avenue in New York City is getting a fragrance makeover; Harry Style’s knows how to name a perfume; e.l.f. Cosmetics makes its debut on Roblox; Sephora is locking up its fragrances; you can take a Jo Malone fragrance masterclass; and we obsess over Lisa Eldridge’s line (both our Raise A Wands...

Digital artist Ines Alpha is pushing the boundaries of how we think about makeup—and beauty. She tells us about her creative process and explains how she brings elects of fantasy and enchantment to human faces in video post-production and augmented reality. We discuss what the future of makeup could look like (IRL, in the metaverse, and using VR glasses and headsets); the psychological effects of face filters; how she uses artificial intelligence in her art; and what she does as the global...

Cindy Barshop, the founder of Vspot Medi Spa—and a Real Housewives of New York alumna—is here to share important information about all the treatments and services available to improve women’s sex lives. In this intimate (and sometimes hilarious) conversation, which originally aired in 2019, we’re talking about the O-Shot, the FemiLift laser, labiaplasty, intimate skin lightening, vaginal tightening, help for incontinence and pelvic floor issues, anal bleaching, and more. Products mentioned in...